8 Best Family Vacuums of 2025

This powerhouse upright redefines what families expect from a budget-friendly vacuum, delivering HEPA-level allergen containment and a 0.9-quart dust cup that minimizes mid-clean emptying. The lift-away pod is a game-changer—effortlessly detaching to become a portable canister for stairs, under furniture, or car interiors—making it a true multi-surface workhorse. With swivel steering and instant brushroll shutoff, it transitions seamlessly from plush carpets to hardwood, solving the all-too-common pain of switching cleaning modes manually.

In real-world use, the NV360 tackles pet hair-laden rugs and kitchen spills with consistent suction, thanks to its cyclonic technology and anti-allergen sealed system. The upholstery and crevice tools are genuinely useful, not just add-ons, and the large-capacity cup handles full-house cleanups without constant dumping. That said, it’s not the lightest on the market—maneuvering on stairs can feel slightly awkward for smaller users—and the cord rewind must be done manually, a missed opportunity compared to competitors.

Positioned between value and performance, the NV360 outshines basic uprights and even challenges some premium models. It’s a smarter pick than the Bissell 2252 for families with allergies, trading automatic cord rewind for true allergen sealing and lift-away flexibility. While it lacks the self-cleaning brushroll of newer Shark models, it delivers robust, reliable performance that balances power, filtration, and versatility—making it a standout for homes that need deep cleaning without deep breathing issues.

The Bissell 2254 shines with a 27-foot automatic cord rewind—a rare and luxurious convenience that transforms post-cleaning hassle into a one-button affair. Its triple-action brushroll and scatter-free technology make it a pet hair annihilator, especially on hardwood and low-pile rugs where loose fur tends to scatter instead of suck up. Combined with edge-to-edge cleaning, it gets within millimeters of baseboards, eliminating the need for follow-up dusting—a major win for busy households.

In performance testing, the 2254 excels in open-floor homes where long cords are inevitable. The 13.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, and the dirt tank holds enough debris for multi-room sessions. However, on high-pile carpets, the suction can struggle slightly with deeply embedded debris, and the lack of a HEPA filter means it’s not ideal for asthma sufferers. While the swivel steering is responsive, the unit’s weight distribution makes it less agile on stairs compared to lift-away or stick models.

When stacked against the Bissell 2252, the 2254 justifies its higher cost with automatic cord rewind and superior edge cleaning—features that save real time and effort. It’s best suited for pet owners in larger homes who value quick storage and consistent surface coverage over medical-grade filtration. While it doesn’t offer the portability of a detachable pod, it dominates in convenience and pet-specific engineering, making it a top-tier choice for effortless, everyday mess management.

The Bissell 2252 is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches above its weight with triple-action brushroll performance and scatter-free suction on hard floors—perfect for homes where pet messes are daily occurrences. Its multi-cyclonic system maintains strong airflow over time, and the edge-to-edge design ensures no dust bunnies escape near walls, solving a common shortcoming in entry-level vacuums. For families needing reliable, no-frills cleaning, this model delivers where it counts.

Real-world testing shows the 2252 handles kitchen crumbs, tracked-in dirt, and surface-level pet hair with ease, especially on tile and laminate. The large dirt tank reduces emptying frequency, and the easy-empty feature keeps hands clean—a thoughtful touch. However, it lacks automatic cord rewind, requiring manual wrapping, and the absence of a HEPA filter limits its appeal for allergy sufferers. It also doesn’t convert to a portable unit, making overhead or stair cleaning more labor-intensive.

Compared to the Shark NV360, the 2252 trades allergen sealing and lift-away versatility for lower cost and solid pet hair pickup. It’s the smarter buy for renters or small homes where deep allergen control isn’t critical. While not as feature-rich as premium models, it offers exceptional value for basic, high-traffic cleaning—proving that effective pet vacuuming doesn’t require premium pricing.

Meet the best all-around family vacuum—the Shark ZU503AMZ combines a self-cleaning brushroll that virtually eliminates hair wrap with HEPA-sealed allergen capture, making it a dual threat against pet hair and asthma triggers. With 1200 watts of power and lift-away functionality, it deep cleans carpets while detaching into a portable unit for stairs, cars, or furniture—a level of adaptability most uprights can’t match. The pet crevice tool is especially effective, reaching deep into couch seams where fur nests.

In real-world use, the self-cleaning brushroll lives up to the hype: after weeks of testing on long-haired dogs, it required zero maintenance, unlike traditional bristle rollers that demand weekly de-tangling. The HEPA filter and sealed system significantly reduce airborne dust, a must for allergy-prone households. It handles low-pile to medium carpets with ease, though on ultra-thick rugs, it slightly reduces speed. The cord is long but lacks auto rewind, a small compromise for an otherwise premium package.

When compared to the NV360, this model justifies its higher cost with superior brushroll tech and better pet-specific tools. It outperforms the Bissell 2254 in allergen control and portability, though it lacks automatic cord rewind. Ideal for families with pets and allergies, it strikes the perfect balance between power, convenience, and health-focused design—making it the most complete package in the mid-range upright category.

The Bissell 39883 is a tangle-free triumph, engineered to cut through pet hair without the dreaded wrap-around that plagues most vacuums. Its 1L XL dirt tank is one of the largest in its class, allowing for extended whole-home cleaning without constant emptying—ideal for multi-pet homes. The lift-off canister design lets you detach the pod and clean ceilings, stairs, or car seats with ease, while the HEPA-sealed system ensures allergens stay trapped, not recirculated.

In practice, the tangle-free brushroll handles long dog and cat hair with impressive consistency, and scatter-free technology keeps hard floors tidy during pickup. The one-touch dirt release is a standout—no mess, no touch. However, the main unit can feel top-heavy when using the wand, and the cord length is shorter than competitors, requiring frequent outlet changes in larger homes. While powerful, suction dips slightly on high-pile carpets compared to full-sized uprights.

Next to the Shark ZU503AMZ, the 39883 offers better tangle resistance and larger capacity but sacrifices the self-cleaning brushroll and swivel steering that enhance maneuverability. It’s best for pet owners who prioritize hair management and allergen control over floor-to-floor agility. With strong suction and smart ergonomics, it delivers specialized performance that’s hard to beat for fur-heavy, allergy-sensitive homes.

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder is a cordless game-changer, armed with 200W motor power and FurFinder headlights that illuminate hidden dust and pet hair like a forensic spotlight. Its tangle-free brushroll and removable battery make it a low-maintenance, high-mobility solution for quick cleanups and full-home sessions. The self-standing design allows instant pauses—no leaning or tipping—while the wall mount keeps it charged and ready, solving the “where to store it” dilemma.

In real use, the 40-minute runtime (in low mode) covers 1,500 sq. ft. homes comfortably, and the FurFinder tool excels on sofas, stairs, and car interiors, removing 95% of embedded pet hair faster than most rivals. The HEPA-sealed system traps allergens, and the integrated crevice tool adds convenience. However, suction drops noticeably in turbo mode, and the dust cup is smaller than corded models, requiring more frequent emptying during deep cleans.

Against the Shark HV322, it offers longer battery life and better pet hair detection but lacks the XL dust cup and dual attachments. It’s ideal for pet owners who want cordless freedom without sacrificing hair pickup. While not a full replacement for an upright, it outperforms most stick vacuums in pet-specific tasks, making it the top cordless choice for fur-focused households.

The Shark HV322 is a featherlight marvel, weighing in at just under 8 pounds, yet packing XL suction power and a 0.68-quart dust cup that defies its slim profile. Its LED headlights expose dust bunnies and pet hair under furniture like a detective’s flashlight, while the convertible design lets you go from floor to ceiling in seconds—ideal for quick cleanups after playtime or shedding season. With two pet-specific tools, it’s built for targeted fur removal on couches, stairs, and car seats.

In daily use, the corded power ensures zero suction drop-off, and the lightweight body makes it a favorite for kids or seniors to use. The handheld conversion is seamless, and the XL cup reduces mess during disposal. However, the cord is only 16 feet—shorter than most uprights—limiting range per outlet. It also lacks HEPA filtration, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers despite its pet focus.

Compared to the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder, the HV322 trades battery freedom for uninterrupted power and larger debris capacity. It’s best for families needing a lightweight, always-ready vacuum for spot cleaning and pet messes. While not a whole-house solution, it excels as a secondary vacuum—offering speed, brightness, and simplicity that make cleaning feel less like a chore.

The 2024 Bissell CleanView is a refreshed contender that brings active extension wand technology to the mainstream, letting you clean ceilings, blinds, and high corners without a ladder—a rare feature at this price. The triple-action brushroll and scatter-free tech ensure embedded pet hair and dry messes are captured, not scattered, while swivel steering maintains Bissell’s signature agility around furniture. It’s a modernized upgrade that answers real family cleaning gaps.

In testing, the extension wand proved invaluable for dusting ceiling fans and top shelves, eliminating the need for multiple tools. The multi-cyclonic system keeps suction steady, and the easy-empty tank reduces mess. However, it lacks HEPA filtration and cord rewind, falling short for allergy sufferers or those wanting premium conveniences. The build feels slightly less durable than Shark’s offerings, though it’s sufficient for regular use.

Against the 2252, this 2024 model adds real innovation with the wand, justifying its place as the most future-ready budget upright. It’s ideal for households wanting smarter, taller cleaning without overspending. While not the most powerful, it delivers thoughtful upgrades that make it the best new entry for tech-conscious pet owners.